The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1887-03-09
BRECKENRIDGE AND BENJAMIN.
How the Two Men Made Their Escape
from tho Country.

In the summer of 1876 1 met Gen. Breck-
cnridgc in Richmond, and one Sunday
afternoon we were sitting alone in front
of the Ballard hotel. i asked him, il not
unpleasant, it would he gratifying to have
him give an account Df his escape after the
downfall of the ~Confcderacy, aud how it
occurred hat Mr.. Benjamin was separated
from him.. He replied that he would cheer
fully do so, and said that after following
Mr.. Davis some distance on the retreat he
became satisfied that Mr.. Davis had
selected the most dangerous route, and to
continue under his guidance, which he
persisted i'll, capture would be certain and
inevitable. 81 decided to pursue a differ
cnt course and, taking with me some
trusty men and as few rs possible, left
Mr., Davis and his escort and struck off
for the Florida coast. Soon afterward
Mr.. Davis, as [ predicted, was captured.
] met with some soldiers of the Federal
army. They did not recognize me, and
nothing specially occurred to cause me to
apprchcnd my arrest or safety. ] passed
squad Of them in II gallop, but no demon
Stration was made against me, nor did
they seem to he aware who l was"
He then said: 'IIaving been familiar in
carly life to hunt and travel in the night
in Kentucky, | recalled the experience Of
my youth, md adapted myself to change
of circumstances, travelling incognito and
with n few faithful and fearless followers.
In Il short time, with nothing specially
pcrilous during the journey, we reached
the coast in safety. We then procured a
small boat and n supply of provisions,
which were easily obtained, rs ! was sup
piled with some gold, and with u small
pocket compass which | always carried
with me, and with J. Taylor Wood and
" others i'll an open boat we started for
the coast Of Cuba. In two days and three
nights of the most delightful and propi-
tiOuS weather we landed within one mile Of
the island, our only guide being my pocket
compass. Capt. Wood fell overheard dur
ing the voyage, but was soon hauled in,
II was not the least disconnected or
alarmed. He was ono of the bravcst OF
men. After reaching Cuba | found
friends and accommodations; remained
there a brief time and then went to Paris
and back eventually to Canada. The bal
anCc You are no doubt familiar with
''Whcrc was Mr., Bcnjamin?' l asked.
lie remained with me only n day after
leaving Mr.. Davis. He was remarkable
man. could adapt himself to any society
or circumstances could speak French,
German and other languages f~luently. He
travelled through the country as a Jew
merchant and sailed from Charleston, so
| learned
] made Il memorandum Of his CONVEX
sation ut the time and this is q verbatim
report.
Gen. Breckenridge was exceedingly
pleasant and courteous during the CONVEX
sation, but increasing age, disappointed
hopes and his varied experiences in life
have plainly changed his appearance from
the well proportional IL erect physical
manhood and handsome and striking
physioGnomy which excited my ndmira-
ton when a college student in Washing
ton city in 1888, where ! often saw him
preside with such splendid ability and
courtly bearing as vice-president over the
United States nate.-Thomas y. JEFF
trcss in Philadelphia Times.